Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is under an indefinite production stoppage. This decision comes on the heels of his inflammatory remarks regarding the recent murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This decision has fueled bipartisan outrage across the country, from elected leaders to late-night comedians to ACLU–style free speech activists. They’ve characterized the suspension as a deeply disturbing and dangerous attack on freedom of expression.
Demand from viewers prompting a group of ABC-affiliated stations to move Kimmel’s show to repeat status. They were motivated to take this action by his comments about the killing of Laquan Kirk. Kimmel has been quite vocal about how he feels about Donald Trump and a multitude of his policies. This vocal advocacy undoubtedly makes the backlash he’s facing right now more complicated.
Former President Trump responded with glee to the news. He described Kimmel’s suspension as “Great News for America” and congratulated ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
“Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” – Donald Trump
The national nonprofit organization Truth Wins Out (TWO) believes this action against Kimmel’s suspension is a continuation of the “Cancel Crusade.” They’re worried because they think right-wing extremists are attempting to extinguish dissent from the rapidly narrowing media landscape. They alleged that outrage has been used as a bludgeon to bully media companies and suppress free expression.
California Governor Gavin Newsom made a passionate defense of the coordinated firing of the commentators. He called the show cancellations, including Kimmel’s, “dangerous.” He warned that this growing trend poses a clear and present danger to the soul of free speech in America.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna was especially fiercely critical. His remarks echoed concerns that the current administration may be at the forefront of a global movement to criminalize comedy. He pointed to the political implications of silencing comedic voices, who have a unique ability to challenge dominant narratives.
“This is perhaps the first administration to make comedy illegal.” – Ro Khanna
Chris Murphy, a floor mate of Kimmel’s, opened with the most alarming question. We worry this suspension is just the beginning of a worldwide campaign to silence critics. Murphy went on to stress the need for support and solidarity between comedians in times like this more than ever.
The reaction to Kimmel’s suspension spread past the world of political satire as fellow comedians like Wandy Sykes made their displeasure known. Sykes remarked on Trump’s influence over free speech, stating that he has effectively curtailed it within his first year in office.
“Didn’t end the Ukraine War or solve Gaza within his first week, but he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.” – Wandy Sykes
That fourth possibility—infrastructure as a digital platform—was where Brendan Carr, the chair of the U.S. media regulator, really went for the jugular. He even threatened to pull ABC’s broadcasting license after Kimmel’s remarks on Tyler Robinson, the shooter believed to have killed Kirk’s assassination. This executive action raised serious concerns over government overreach into media operations and editorial decision-making.
In a related incident, Vice President Kamala Harris guest-hosted Kirk’s podcast, wherein she called for individuals witnessing celebrations of Kirk’s death to report them to their employers. This appeal only exacerbated concerns about the chilling effect these statements may have on free speech.
Kimmel’s shocking revelation has his colleagues rallying around him. Voices like Mike Birbiglia and Chris Hayes are calling on comedians and media professionals to help fight back against this egregious assault on free speech.
“If you’re a comedian and you don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air – don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.” – Mike Birbiglia
“This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life.” – Chris Hayes
Actor and comedian Paul Scheer expressed his outrage over the idea of suspending Kimmel. In his ruling, he asked why inflammatory comments about political assassinations weren’t struck down.
“So let me get this straight. Kimmel is off the air for his comments about the politicization of an assassination but this is totally fine.” – Paul Scheer
Public discourse struggles to understand these changes. Countless artists, musicians, and other creative thinkers have joined in a chorus of free speech advocates urging cooperation across the aisle to push back against this perceived infringement on free speech. Chuck Schumer, for example, called on Democrats and Republicans alike to publicly condemn what has happened to Kimmel.
“Everybody across the political spectrum should be speaking out to stop what’s happening to [Jimmy Kimmel].” – Chuck Schumer